Sometimes we end up visiting places we would not have intentionally sought out because we say yes to the unexpected, whether it’s to visit friends and family or to take advantage of a home exchange. Sometimes we stumble upon interesting locales as a stop along a road trip route or as a day trip from another location.
By remaining open minded and flexible with our plans, we’ve had the grand pleasure of visiting all sorts of unexpectedly fun destinations. Going off the beaten path to less-touristed destinations can help you save money and get more bang for your vacation buck. Read my list below of the 10 best underrated family-friendly vacation destinations in the US.
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10 Surprising Underrated Lesser-Known Family-Friendly Destinations in the United States
In this post, I’ll highlight 10 underrated, lesser-known towns across the United States that offer a unique blend of charm, history, and kid-friendly activities.
Before we dive into the list, let me give you a quick piece of advice: Traveling with kids doesn’t mean you have to stick to the usual, crowded tourist traps. By exploring these hidden gems, you get a much more authentic look at local life while giving your travel budget a nice little breather. Let’s look at these amazing spots, and let me know which one you decide to visit next!
Cape Canaveral, FL
Situated on Florida’s east coast, Cape Canaveral is a gateway to space exploration. Home to the iconic Kennedy Space Center, families can witness rocket launches and delve into the history of space missions. The beaches are wide open and lovely, and the famous Cocoa Beach provides a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, offering opportunities for surfing, sandcastle building, and dolphin-watching. With a year-round tropical climate, this space-themed town is perfect for family fun (though we got an unexpected cold front when we went).
We spent our babymoon on the Space Coast and had a blast, despite the chillier-than-usual weather. We played mini golf, got to pet baby gators, geeked out at the space center, ate a lot of seafood, was shocked by the number of local peacocks, and enjoyed many long strolls along the beaches. It turned out to be one of my favorite trips with just the husband. 🙂
Where to stay in Cape Canaveral, FL
Chattanooga, TN
I feel like Nashville always gets the attention but Chattanooga deserves some love too because it is a gorgeous and lively kid-friendly destination. It’s one of our favorite family weekend getaways since it’s such a short and beautiful drive from Nashville. The aquarium is top notch, the downtown offers a vibrant walkable food and art scene, Lookout Mountain is nearby and the surrounding nature is simply gorgeous. For parents with young kids, the Creative Discovery Museum is a can’t-miss activity, and Odd Story Brewing offers a spacious, open-air kid and pet-friendly dining experience.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga, TN
Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head, a barrier island in South Carolina, is a haven for families seeking relaxation and outdoor activities. Hilton Head will forever hold a special place in my heart because it was the first place we took a family vacation together. Skyler was only a few months old when we decided to sneak away for some family time on the beach. It was such a great place for us to go as new parents and learn how to travel with a baby. But it’s also home to world-class golf courses and exciting water activities, making it a wonderful all-ages family vacation destination.
Where to Stay in Hilton Head, NC
Huntsville, AL
Known as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville blends history and innovation, old and new. Families can explore the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where interactive exhibits bring space exploration to life, or wander through the lush landscapes of the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Families with older kids may enjoy the fun, free scavenger hunt created by the Visitor’s Center that will take you all through the city looking for 15 lucky ducks. Can you find them all? (I would not recommend trying to navigate this scavenger hunt with younger, impatient kids. For those unfamiliar with Huntsville, the clues are challenging, and some of the locations are rather spread out. We were honestly a little shocked by how difficult it was for first-time visitors.)
When we visited for the first time, and honestly on every subsequent trip to this charming town, we really enjoyed admiring all of the old houses in the Twickenham Historic District. It’s fun to imagine them back in the day. We also love walking around the Big Spring downtown, feeding the ducks.
Where to Stay in Huntsville, AL
Jacksonville, FL
I may be biased since I went to college for two years in Jacksonville, but it’s an underrated beach destination for families! Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, offers a mix of urban excitement and coastal charm. Families can laze about on the white sandy shores of Jacksonville Beach or explore the family-friendly attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo (always fun!). We would absolutely recommend staying at the TPC Sawgrass, especially for an adults-only getaway, but anywhere with beach access will do. Look at those waves!
Where to Stay in Jacksonville, FL
👉 Check out our photo journal from our long weekend in Jacksonville!
Michigan City, IN
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Michigan City is a quaint town boasting sandy beaches and cultural treasures. Visit the Old Lighthouse Museum, stroll along Washington Park Beach, let the kids run wild at the Washington Park playground, watch the animals at Washington Park Zoo, or indulge in local art at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat for families and gorgeous beach vibes; it’s hard to believe that water is not the ocean!
Totally recommend staying in the Beachwalk Resort if you get the chance because it’s walking distance to the beach, has a pool and a small lake beach of its own, and a nice playground. Bonus points: It’s a short drive from South Bend, which makes for a great day trip!
Where to Stay in Michigan City, IN
Muscle Shoals, AL
Tucked away in Alabama, Muscle Shoals is a hidden gem for music enthusiasts and makes for an easy long weekend getaway from Nashville! Founded in 1959 by Rick Hall, Fame Recording Studios quickly became a hub for musicians seeking a unique and authentic sound. The studio gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, attracting some of the most iconic names in the music industry, including Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones!! The distinct “Muscle Shoals Sound” was characterized by its blend of soul, R&B, and rock elements, setting it apart from other recording locales. I can’t begin to describe the feeling of standing in such a historic place, where so many iconic voices recorded their hit songs. Truly a special experience for music fans.
Where to Stay in Muscle Shoals, AL
Muscle Shoals itself is quite a small area without many hotels, so you may find more places to stay in the neighboring town of Florence, AL.
Pro tip: We stayed in the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence, Alabama which was lovely!
Portland, ME
We fell in love with Portland during our three-week road trip around the Northeast. We only spent two nights in the charming, walkable town but ate enough for multiple days because Portland is home to more than 300 traditional restaurants, and over 800 food/drink establishments! Good thing it’s a hilly place as it helped us burn off some of the calories we were eating! The views from the highest points in the town are just beautiful and everyone we met was so friendly. We would definitely return to this foodie haven in the future.
Where to Stay in Portland, ME
Sioux Falls, SD
Named after the cascading waterfalls along the Big Sioux River, this city offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities and breathtaking landscapes. The crown jewel of Sioux Falls is Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over pink quartzite formations — though personally, I thought the full scale replica of the David Statue was even cooler. A visit to this park provides not only lovely views of the falls but also walking trails, lush greenery, and historic buildings like the Queen Bee Mill.
Families can enjoy picnics, explore the walking paths, and even climb to the top of the five-story observation tower for panoramic views. The Butterfly House and Aquarium is a great place to take the kids for the afternoon, though I am not a fan of bugs flying around my head, so I prefer to take our kid to the Kirby Science Discovery Center at the Washington Pavilion downtown; it is a fantastic children’s museum!! So many interactive exhibits.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s commitment to public art, especially through the SculptureWalk, another one of our favorite things about Sioux Falls. This yearly exhibit showcases sculptures from artists around the world, turning the downtown area into an open-air art gallery; this is definitely something I look forward to checking out each visit since they are constantly rotating the sculpture pieces.
Where to Stay in Sioux Falls, SD
👉 Check out my full guide to visiting Sioux Falls, South Dakota!
Vergennes, VT
Another charming discovery from our Northeast road trip, Vergennes is about an hour south of Burlington and embodies the quintessential New England charm. I seriously felt like I was walking through the set of Gilmore Girls when we went to dinner downtown. You can explore historic sites like the Bixby Memorial Library, take a leisurely stroll through the town’s picturesque streets, or indulge in local treats at the Vergennes Laundry. The smallest town in Vermont provides an intimate and peaceful retreat for families, and the surrounding scenery is just idyllic.
Where to Stay in Vergennes, VT
Since Vergennes is not a big tourist spot, you may not find many places to stay within the town limits, so expand your search to the beautiful surrounding areas. You won’t mind driving around these rolling hills and lush green spaces!
Quick Tips for Planning Your Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Choosing a lesser-known destination saves money and avoids the crowds, but it does require a tiny bit of extra planning. Here are three quick tips to enhance your next family trip:
- Book Your Accommodation Early: Because these towns are smaller and not necessarily tourist destinations, the best family-friendly vacation rentals and boutique hotels tend to fill up fast.
- Rent a Car: Public transit can be a bit limited around most of America, so having your own wheels gives you the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Ask the Locals: Don’t rely solely on online review apps! When you arrive, talk to the locals! Ask the barista or the librarian for their favorite playground or dinner spot. You will always find the best hidden treasures that way!
What unexpected destination will you discover next?
As you plan your next family adventure, consider venturing off the beaten path to these hidden gems. From space odysseys to coastal retreats, each of these unique or unlikely destinations offers experiences that will make your family vacation truly memorable. Have you been to any of these underrated gems? What other unexpected destinations should we put on this list? Tell us in the comments so others may be inspired by your own travels and adventures!
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